Cluster oxalate complexes [M3(mu3-Q)(mu2-Q2)3(C2O4)3]2- and [Mo3(mu3-Q)(mu2-Q)3(C2O4)3(H2O)3]2- (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se): mechanochemical synthesis and crystal structure.

Mechanochemical reaction of cluster coordination polymers 1infinity[M3Q7Br4] (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se) with solid K2C2O4 leads to cluster core excision with the formation of anionic complexes [M3Q7(C2O4)3]2-. Extraction of the reaction mixture with water followed by crystallization gives crystalline K2[M3Q7(C2O4)3].0.5KBr.nH2O (M = Mo, Q = S, n = 3 (1); M = Mo, Q = Se, n = 4 (2); M = W, Q = S, n = 5 (3)). Cs2[Mo3S7(C2O4)3].0.5CsCl.3.5H2O (4) and (Et4N)1.5H0.5K{[Mo3S7(C2O4)3]Br}.2H2O (5) were also prepared. Close Q...Br contacts result in the formation of ionic triples {[M3Q7(C2O4)3](2)Br}5- in 1-4 and the 1:1 adduct {[Mo3S7(C2O4)3]Br}3- in 5. Treatment of 1 or 2 with PPh(3) leads to chalcogen abstraction with the formation of [Mo3(mu3-Q)(mu2-Q)3(C2O4)3(H2O)3]2-, isolated as (Ph4P)2[Mo3(mu3-S)(mu2-S)3(C2O4)3(H2O)3].11H2O (6) and (Ph4P2[Mo3(mu3-Se)(mu2-Se)3(C2O4)3(H2O)3].8.5H2O.0.5C2H5OH (7). All compounds were characterized by X-ray structure analysis. IR, Raman, electronic, and 77Se NMR spectra are also reported. Thermal decomposition of 1-3 was studied by thermogravimetry.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel tantalum chalcogen-rich molecular cluster with square planar metal core.

Black single crystals of Ta(4)Se(9)I(8) are obtained in a high yield by heating Ta, Se, and I(2) at 300 degrees C in 1:2.2:1.0 molar ratio. In the structure, the tantalum atoms form a square, with four Se(2) ligands bridging the Ta-Ta edges and one capping the square. Each Ta atom has two terminal iodine atoms. The compound is diamagnetic and has only two electrons for metal-metal bonding.